Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 377: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Mrs. Judith Norton explained
Clarissa writes to Mrs.
What happens
Clarissa writes to Mrs. Norton, congratulating her on her son's recovery and expressing concern about Mrs. Norton's plan to intercede with her family. She reveals she has received a severe letter from her sister Arabella in response to her own, and reflects on her father's curse, her longing to see her mother, and her resignation to her fate. She asks Mrs. Norton not to take any steps on her behalf without her prior consent.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's acceptance of her suffering and her hope for atonement through death reflect the theme of redemptive suffering.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa's desire for reconciliation and her fear of further family conflict highlight the tension between filial duty and personal autonomy.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Author of the letter; expresses gratitude, sorrow, and resignation regarding her family's rejection and her own suffering.
- Mrs. Judith Norton
Recipient of the letter; Clarissa advises her not to intercede with the family without prior consent.
- Arabella Harlowe
Mentioned as having sent a severe answer to Clarissa's letter.
- Colonel Morden
Mentioned as having prayed for Clarissa's recovery in the past; Clarissa asks to be informed when he arrives.
- Mrs. Harlowe
Mentioned with longing; Clarissa wishes to see her mother once more.
Key passages
“I have but one request to make to them, besides what is contained in my letter to my sister; and I would not, methinks, for the sake of their own future peace of mind, that they should be teased so by your well-meant kindness, and that of Miss Howe, as to be put upon denying me that.”
Clarissa asks Mrs. Norton not to press her family further, as she fears their refusal might harm their own peace.
Clarissa prioritizes her family's tranquility over her own desires.
“A parent’s curse, my dear Mrs. Norton! What child could die in peace under a parent’s curse? so literally fulfilled too as this has been in what relates to this life!”
Clarissa laments the weight of her father's curse, which she feels has been realized in her earthly misfortunes.
The curse symbolizes the ultimate familial rejection and its devastating impact.
“Could I have thought that the last time I saw her would have been the last , with what difficulty should I have been torn from her embraced feet!”
Clarissa regrets not knowing her final meeting with her mother would be the last, as she would have clung to her more desperately.
This reflects Clarissa's deep longing for maternal affection and her sense of irrevocable loss.